Iowa Speedway is hit with fans and drivers

NEWTON - It appears that the second annual NASCAR Nationwide Series U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway was a hit with more than the 55,988 fans who packed the stands and standing-room only areas Saturday.

Drivers of two of the most elite racing series were impressed as well, sharing their thoughts after the race without being promtped by media. NASCAR Sprint Cup points leader Kevin Harvick, who also drives in the Nationwide Series and was second to race winner Kyle Busch, described the race as awesome.

"It's a great race track," Harvick said. "I'm really proud of the crowd that they had here tonight (Saturday)."

Busch and Jason Leffler, who finished third in the event at Iowa Speedway for the second straight year, echoed Harvicks compliments. Leffler noted that things away from the race track made for a great experience.

"The hospitality here is incredible," Leffler said. "It was that way last year and the fans are, it's awesome to see this. I'm pretty happy. The track's a great racing track and I look forward to coming back next year."

As Leffler finished that statement, Harvick spoke up again, noting that the track would be a suitable host for NASCAR's top circuit.

"Surely, if you have that much fan support you can make a Cup race here," Harvick said. "That's what I think. I think it'd be a great race."

Iowa Speedway Vice President of Promotions and Communications Craig Armstrong attended the post-race press conference. He appreciated the comments.

"Bless their hearts for saying that," said Armstrong, adding "It means it's not just a good track to fans but to the drivers as well."

The response to the event is a reflection on the entire staff from those who designed the track to those who carried out the huge operation Saturday night. It provided the crowd with an exciting event and allowed drivers to compete on a track conducive to passing and having fun.

"I think they appreciate that," Armstrong said. "It's a compliment to everyone involved."

Professional drivers have certain expectations from a venue, and Armstrong said they usually aren't vocal unless problems arise. The barometer for a well-run event is normally not hearing anything, which makes the feedback much more meaningful.

"When they go out of their way to say great things about the track," Armstrong said, "you know it's exceptional."

Iowa Speedway already hosts the IZOD IndyCar Iowa Corn 250, a NASCAR Camping World Trucks Series event and the Nationwide Series. Armstrong said that is a testament to the track's success in securing those by its third year of operation. A Sprint Cup Series event wasn't in sites when the track was developed.

"It was never a consideration when the track was put in place," Armstrong said. "It was never assumed, presumed or considered."

A number of things would have to fall in place for the Iowa Speedway to land  a Sprint Cup race, and there aren't any open dates in the near future. Armstrong said, however, the track would be foolish to ever turn the opportunity down. He said he respects the decisions NASCAR officials make and they do what's in the best interests of the sport and all involved.

"Saying a track is deserving of a Sprint cup race and actually getting one are two different things," said Armstrong, saying he's lerned never to say never. "If the circumstances were right and NASCAR decided it was a good venue ... We would consider it and ask them to consider us."

Until that happens, the track is focused on the events it already holds, growing and improving those already on its schedule.

"We'll keep doing the right things and hopefully people will keep saying nice things," Armstrong said. "Eventually that will be rewarded."